Sunday, September 12, 2010

This short Gandhi saying is on my door, I see it every time I leave my dorm room. Among many things it is simple, inspirational but most importantly, wise. As I begin my college experience this saying acquires new meaning. It reminds me that life is an experience where people should embrace every opportunity they are given. From frat parties to all night study sessions, college students are provided with a multitude of chances to explore not only who we are, but also our aspirations for the future. In turn we are expected to experience all that we can so that as we go through our college years we become well-rounded citizens of this world. Therefore, life is all about the journey. Its end result is simply to leave a mark on the world and hopefully make it a better place. At this point you readers are probably thinking “this is optimistic bull” and maybe it is but I am an optimist at heart so bear with me.

I came to college not knowing what to expect, living with other people and being entirely responsible for my life was new for me. As was having drunken guys waking me up at 2 in the morning, writing 700 word journals for a first year seminar, and getting sick the first week of school. Possibly the most difficult aspect of college life so far has been adapting to a new climate of thinking, or community of knowers. Transitioning from an area where I know my way around the town and the people around me to an entirely unfamiliar environment has caused me to adapt and change to the climate around me. Keeping my door and mind open are necessary ways to meet new people and learn new things. For now I will continue to observe, make friends, do my homework and live my life to the fullest extent of my abilities. So if you are reading this know that the purpose of life is to take advantage of every chance you have and run with it.